Take an amazing trip to Cappadocia with our ultimate guide so you can discover everything this amazing region has to offer.
With its breathtaking scenery, strange and unique rock formations, and a historical legacy full of intrigue and mystery, there’s something to be amazed by almost everywhere you go in Cappadocia.
Learn how to visit all the highlights, find once-in-a-lifetime experiences, eat your way through some delicious cuisine, stay in a cave hotel, and so much more with this guide. Dive into its culture, learn some language, and get all the logistics down to make the most of your trip to Cappadocia.
Get ready to be inspired and have an extraordinary journey.
Best Times to Visit
When you go will greatly determine how much you enjoy your visit! Spring and fall are ideal, as the weather is so nice that you don’t mind spending your entire day outside. You don’t break a sweat in spring or fall, and you don’t need a heavy coat to stay warm either. Winters are cold, but picture-perfect when the fairy chimneys are covered in snow. Summers are really hot, but if you love warm weather and endless sunshine, you might the weather at its best!
Must-see Attractions
Göreme Open-Air Museum
Head to Göreme Open-Air Museumto experience a world of rock-cut churches and frescoes from the olden times. The art on the walls dates back millennia and shares stories from centuries past, providing a once-in-a-lifetime look into the world of early Christianity. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site will feel like you are opening up a history book. And be sure not toskip St. Barbara Church, which iskep a little differently than the rest! It’s one of the best churches in the area!
Fairy Chimneys
You’ll be left scratching your head when you visit Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys. These huge, spire-like structures were formed over millions of years from volcanic activity. When you’re walking amidst them, you might assume you’ve stumbled into a fairy-tale land. They make for great places to wander and get some Instagram shots!
Derinkuyu Underground City
At Derinkuyu Underground City, you can explore the fascinating world under the earth. This underground city was home to thousands of people, and simply walking the corridors and rooms offers a good sense of what life must have been like. It’s mind-blowing to think that an entire complex of kitchens, stables, and other rooms actually existed down here!
Must-Do Activities
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Not surprisingly, ballooning is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia, rising with the sun to float in a hot air balloon high above the fairy chimneys. As you ascend and glide over the rock formations, you’ll get a sense of the enormity of the place, while the tranquility of the flight allows you to enjoy the peaceful dreamlike scenery below. It’s unforgettable. Just book far in advance!
Hiking in the Ihlara Valley
Don your walking shoes and take a walk down the beautiful Ihlara Valley. This leafy-green canyon offers an easy hike, where you get to see the centuries-old churches carved into the cliffs and listen to the Melendiz River gurgling next to you. It’s a piece of nature that seems like a secret world.
Horseback Riding
You ever wish you could be a cowboy or cowgirl in a giant fairy-tale world? Look no further! Cappadocia has some great horseback-riding tours. As you pass through the valleys, you’ll be swept up in the majestic surrounding landscape of the vineyards and rock formations. It’s an amazing way to experience the area’s natural beauty.
Pottery Workshop in Avanos
Let your inner artist out at a pottery workshop in Avanos. The town is famous for its pottery, so you can tryand create your own personalized piece. Several local craftspeople who have been in the game for decades will show you the ropes. You’ll have a blast and a delightful homemade token to take back with you.
Culinary Adventures
Traditional Anatolian Cuisine
Cappadocia is a place where your wild palate will feel right at home, as the local gastronomy is as incredible as the region itself! Offering plenty of traditional Anatolian dishes, one meal in particular that you’ll want to look out for is Testi Kebab — a stew that’s slow-cooked inside a sealed clay pot. It’s tasty and the “unveiling” of it is always a messy good time! Most restaurants in town, especially in Göreme, serve it.
Street Food Delights
Mak sure you try some of the street food in Cappadocia! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for taking on the go. Simit, a round bread ring covered in sesame seeds, makes for an excellent snack and goes great with Turkish tea. If you want something sweet, you’ll never find better Turkish Delight than at the source — and you’ll find flavors you didn’t even know existed! Street food stalls and local markets in Uçhisar are good places to enjoy some.
Local Wine Tasting
The region is also known for its wine which, grown inthe volcanic soil, tastes delicious. There’s nothing better than a tasting at a local vineyard. The red and white wines here definitely have a flavor alltheir own and it’s fun to try them out. Kocabağ Winery andÜrgüp Wine Cellars by the winery offer tastings if you want to experience this regional specialty.
Travel Tips
It would be a good idea to learn some Turkishbefore you go to Cappadocia. Even if you just know how to say “Merhaba” (hello) and “Teşekkür ederim” (thank you), you’ll be better off. Locals in the tourist areas speak a bit of English but they always appreciate when you try to use their language. You’ll be rewarded with smiles and maybe a few tips too!
Also, be mindful of local customs. For example, when visiting mosques or other religious places, it’s appreciated if you dress modestly. For both men and women this generally means covering your shoulders and knees. It demonstrates that you respect the culture and helps you to travel much more comfortably. When you visit these areas, you should also remove your shoes — that is more common there too.
Eating in Cappadocia has its quirks. Since sharing is caring, don’t be surprised if your new Turkish friend has no shame helping themselves to your plate. It’s just a sign of their hospitable nature that you should welcome with open arms, as it’s the best way to have a little bit of everything!
Transportation and Travel Logistics
Though it’s not the easiest place to reach, getting to Cappadocia is half the fun! Most people fly into Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport, or Kayseri Airport, fromwhere they’re easily able to reach major cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul or Ankara. After you arrive, you’ll hop on a shuttle or rental car to get around. But whether you’re on a short flight or a road trip, you’ll have a few transportation options available to get you to this enchanting destination.
Moving around within Cappadociais very easy. The entire area is small making taxis and dolmuş (shared minibuses) easily accessible for inter-town travel. For the more daring, and who wants freedom and fun, a scooter or e-bike can be rented. This enables you to explore the valleys and villages at your own leisure. Either way, transportation will be fun.
Here are a few tips for dealing with money in Cappadocia. The currency in Cappadocia is the Turkish Lira. You can easily access ATMs in all the major tourist areas and credit cards are also widely accepted. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash on you for smaller vendors and in-rural areas where they may not take credit. Just be sure to pay attention to the exchange rates, and you’ll be all set for your vacation!
Conclusion
The thing about Cappadocia is that your experience there can be whatever you want it to be. Besides the busy areas, step off the tourist trail and find your own piece of wonder. Take a peaceful hike in the less-visited valleys. Talk to the artists.
Add more of these types of activities along with the regular highlights, and I guarantee you’ll have a more unique experience.
So open yourself up and let Cappadocia run wild. Pack your adventurous spirit and prepare to be dazzled!